U.S. patent application number 11/750777 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for image heating apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Ryuta AI, Yoshikuni Ito, Toshinori Nakayama.
Application Number | 20080038026 11/750777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39050936 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080038026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AI; Ryuta ; et al. |
February 14, 2008 |
IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS
Abstract
An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member
for heating an image on a recording material in a nip; a nip
forming member for cooperating with said heating rotatable member
to form the nip; a rubbing rotatable member for rubbing, by its
rotation, said heating rotatable member; wherein said rubbing
rotatable member has an elastic layer to provide a microhardness
the GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.
Inventors: |
AI; Ryuta; (Toride-shi,
JP) ; Ito; Yoshikuni; (Tokyo, JP) ; Nakayama;
Toshinori; (Kashiwa-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39050936 |
Appl. No.: |
11/750777 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/328 ;
399/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/2025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/328 ;
399/333 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/20 20060101
G03G015/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 9, 2006 |
JP |
2006-217595 |
Claims
1. An image heating apparatus comprising: a heating rotatable
member for heating an image on a recording material in a nip; a nip
forming member for cooperating with said heating rotatable member
to form the nip; a rubbing rotatable member for rubbing, by its
rotation, said heating rotatable member; wherein said rubbing
rotatable member has an elastic layer to provide a microhardness
the GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elastic layer
has a thickness [.mu.m] the of not less than 20 and not more than
60, and a JIS-A hardness (.degree.) of not less than 40 and not
more than 70.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rubbing
rotatable member including a core metal, a bonding layer, on the
core metal, for bonding rubbing material for rubbing said heating
rotatable member, and wherein the bonding layer functions as said
elastic layer.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said rubbing material
comprises particles having a particle size of not less than 5 .mu.m
and not more than 20 .mu.m.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rubbing material
includes alumina abrasive grain.
6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the following is
satisfied, 7.times.10.sup.3.ltoreq.(P/.pi.H tan
.theta.)(|V-v|/V).ltoreq.68.times.10.sup.-3, where P: load [N] by
said rubbing member to said heating rotatable member, V: peripheral
speed of said heating rotatable member [mm/sec], v: peripheral
speed mm/sec] the of said rubbing member, h: microhardness [GPa] of
said heating rotatable member, and .theta.: a half-apex-angle
[.degree.] of said rubbing material.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said heating
rotatable member includes a surface parting layer comprising
fluorinated resin material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an image heating device for
heating a toner image on a recording material. As for such an image
heating device, there are a fixing device for fixing by heating an
unfixed toner image on the recording material, a glossiness
improvement device for improving a glossiness of an image by
heating a toner image fixed on the recording material, and so on.
This image heating device can be used for an image forming
apparatuses using an electrophotographic type process, such as a
copying machine, a printer and a facsimile machine.
RELATED ART
[0002] In the image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic
type and so on, the fixing device is used in order to fix the image
formed on the recording material by the toner on the recording
material. As for such a fixing device, the fixing device of a
roller pair type using a fixing roller and a pressing roller is
used the widely.
[0003] Recently, an oil-less fixing device which uses, for an image
formation, the toner which contains parting material is used
widely. This oil-less fixing device includes the fixing roller
which has an elastic layer and a parting layer laminated on the
core metal. The parting layer comprises the material having a
excellent parting properties, such as fluorinated resin material,
and the use is made with a tube having a excellent parting property
in the surface.
[0004] Recently, demand for a high-glossiness image formation not
having a glossiness non-uniformity increases, and, in order to
attain this, above described oil-less fixing device is
preferable.
[0005] However, in order to form a high-glossiness image not having
the glossiness non-uniformity, the problem insignificant in the
past is important. In other words, it turned out that an
unsmoothness provided by the usage of the surface of the fixing
roller has large influence. This will be described in detail.
[0006] The most remarkable one among the factors influential to the
state of the surface of the fixing roller is the flash formed on
the edge around the recording material by a cutting step carried
out during the manufacturing of the recording material. The sizes
of this flash differ depending on the kind of recording material,
but the sizes of the large flash are several micrometers--about ten
micrometers.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 11, when the recording material having such
the flash is nipped and fed by the fixing roller 1 and a pressing
roller 2, this flash provides minute recesses on the surface of the
fixing roller.
[0008] Particularly, when the recording materials of the same width
are continuously supplied to the fixing device, the damage of the
fixing roller is the maximum.
[0009] As a result, the deep and large scratches (unsmoothness or
pits and projections) are continuously formed on the portion of the
fixing roller (a III region of the in FIG. 9 (a)) contacted to the
flash of the recording material. On the other hand, the scratches
attributable to such the flash are not formed on the portion of the
fixing roller (I of the in FIG. 9 (a), II region) not contacted to
the flash of the recording material. FIG. 9 shows the surface
roughness Rz of the fixing roller after the fixing process of the
recording material of a small size (in the case of the longitudinal
feeding of A4 size paper) is carried out continuously.
[0010] As shown in this Figure, when the fixing process is given to
the recording material of a large size by the state having local
deep scratches, the gloss of the fixed image is uneven and
therefore, the image quality degrade. More specifically, the deep
scratches attributable to the flash appear in the fixed image, and,
a part of fixed image thereof is unsmooth. As a result, the gloss
of the fixed image reduces partially to a great extent.
[0011] As shown in FIG. 12, the deep scratches attributable to the
flash extend over the entire circumference of the fixing roller,
and therefore, the low gloss portion is continuously formed on the
image.
[0012] In this manner, when the states of the unsmoothness of the
surface of the fixing roller differ locally, the state of the
unsmoothness of the surface of this fixing roller is reflected on
the toner layer.
[0013] In other words, in order to form the high-glossiness and
high quality image, a stable maintenance of the state of the
surface of the fixing roller is desirable.
[0014] Japanese Patent Application Publication Hei 7-89257,
Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Hei 2-266383, and Japanese
Laid-open Patent Application Hei 4-213482 disclose the fixing
devices, wherein fixing roller is ground by a cleaning web
(nickel-plated web).
[0015] Here, there is the intention to remove the contamination
from the surface of the fixing roller by abrasion with such the
cleaning web.
[0016] However, in the reference stated above, the surface of the
fixing roller is scraped and the new surface is exposed, and
therefore, the lifetime reduction of the fixing roller is
unavoidable. Particularly, when the fixing roller provided with the
parting layers, such as the fluorinated resin material, on the
surface is ground by such a method, the parting function is
spoiled, and at the time of the subsequent fixing process, the
toner offsets to the fixing roller and the fixing defect occur(s).
As a result, the frequent exchange of the fixing roller is
needed.
[0017] In all of the structures disclosed in the prior art, if
foreign matter such as paper dust is nipped in the abrading
portion, the fixing roller may be damaged by sharp and deep
scratches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide an image
heating devices, such as the fixing device, which can suppress
production of a glossiness non-uniformity on the image, even if
foreign matter is introduced into the nip between the heating
rotatable member and the rubbing rotatable member.
[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an image heating apparatus comprising a heating rotatable
member for heating an image on a recording material in a nip; a nip
forming member for cooperating with said heating rotatable member
to form the nip; a rubbing rotatable member for rubbing, by its
rotation, said heating rotatable member; wherein said rubbing
rotatable member has an elastic layer to provide a microhardness
the GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.
[0020] While the invention has been described with reference to the
structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set
forth, and this application is intended to cover such modification
or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or
the scope of the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming
apparatus to which an image heating device according to the present
invention is applicable.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the fixing device of
an embodiment of the image heating device according to the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a structure of the
layer of a refreshing roller.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the
refreshing roller.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of micro hardness measurement.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a graph which illustrates the micro hardness
intensity measurement.
[0027] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a rubbing model by the
refreshing roller.
[0028] FIG. 8 is the schematic sectional view of an example of the
fixing device of a comparison example.
[0029] FIG. 9 is the illustration of the state of the surface of
the fixing roller.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a graph which illustrates the change of the
state of the surface of the fixing roller.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the flash.
[0032] FIG. 12 is the illustration of damage by the flash.
[0033] FIG. 13 is the schematic illustration of the state of the
surface of the fixing roller before a rubbing operation, and the
surface state of the fixing roller after the rubbing operation in
the various conditions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] An image heating device according to the present invention
will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawing.
Embodiment 1
[0035] In this example, the image heating device is the fixing
device for fixing a toner image of the unfixed formed on a
recording material. Before the description of this fixing device,
an image forming station of an image forming apparatus will first
be described.
(Image Forming Apparatus)
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming
apparatus. An image forming apparatus 100 according to this
embodiment is a full-color laser beam printer of the
electrophotographic type. In the device, first, second, third, and
fourth image forming stations 110a-110d are juxtaposed. In each of
the image forming stations 110a-110d, the toner image of the
different color is formed through a process of a latent image
formation, a development, and a transferring.
[0037] Each of the image forming stations 110a-110d is provided
with an electrophotographic photosensitive member 111a-111d of a
drum type, i.e., a photosensitive drum, as an image bearing member.
Each photosensitive drum 111a-111d is rotated in the direction of
an arrow R1, at a predetermined surface movement speed (peripheral
speed), in the Figure. A color toner images is formed on the
photosensitive drum 111a-111d. An intermediary transfer belt 120 as
an intermediary transfer member is provided adjacent each
photosensitive drum 111a-111d. The color toner image formed on each
photosensitive drum 111a-111d is transferred primarily onto the
intermediary transfer belt 120 in a primary transfer portion N1 a-N
1d, and it is transferred secondarily onto a recording material S
in the secondary transfer portion N2. The recording material S onto
which the toner images are transferred is fed into the inside of
the fixing device 130. By heating and pressing the recording
material S in the fixing device 130, the toner image is fixed on
the recording material S. Thereafter, the recording material S is
discharged to the outside of the device as a recorded image.
[0038] In each of the image forming stations 110a-110d, a charging
rollers 112a-112d as charging means and a developing devices
114a-114d as developing means are disposed around the
photosensitive drum 111a-111d. Around each photosensitive drum
111a-111d, a primary transfer roller 115a-115d as primary charging
means and a cleaner 116a-116d as cleaning means are provided. In
addition, above each photosensitive drum 111a-111d, in the Figure,
a laser scanner 113a-113d as exposure means provided with a light
source device and a polygonal mirror, are provided.
[0039] The photosensitive drum 111a-111d is substantially uniformly
charged by the charging rollers 112a-112d. In the laser scanner
113a-113d, a drum is scanned by the polygonal mirror with a laser
beam emitted from a light source device rotates. The beam of the
scanning light is deflected by the reflection mirror and focussed
on the peripheral surface of 111a111d of a photosensitive drums by
the f.theta. lens. In this way, by exposing the photosensitive drum
111a-111d, an electrostatic image (latent image) according to the
image signal is formed on the photosensitive drum 111a-111d.
[0040] In each developing device 114a-114d, the toner of each of
the yellow color, the magenta color, the cyan color, and the black
color is filled as a predetermined amount of a developer. The toner
is suitably supplied by a supplying device 117a-117d into each
developing device 114a-114d. Each developing device 114a-114d
visualize the latent image on the photosensitive drum 111a-111d
into a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner
image, or a black toner image, respectively.
[0041] The intermediary transfer belt 120 is rotated in the
direction of arrow R2 in the Figure at the surface movement speed
(peripheral speed) which is the same as that of the photosensitive
drum 111a-111d.
[0042] For example, at the time of full color image formation, a
first color (yellow) toner image is first formed on the
photosensitive drum 111a, and it is carried on the drum surface.
The photosensitive drum 111a and the intermediary transfer belt 120
contact relative to each other to form a nip (primary transfer
portion) N1a. When the yellow toner image passes this nip, it is
transferred onto an outer surface of the intermediary transfer belt
120 (primary transfer). At this time, a primary transfer bias
voltage is applied to the intermediary transfer belt 120 through
the primary transfer roller 115a, and the toner image is
transferred onto the intermediary transfer belt 120 from the
photosensitive drum 111a by the electric field formed by this
primary transfer bias voltage and the pressure.
[0043] Similarly, the second color magenta toner image, the third
color cyan toner image, and the fourth color black toner image are
transferred superimposingly on the intermediary transfer belt 120
sequentially, so that a composite color toner image corresponding
to the intended color image is formed.
[0044] In the secondary transfer portion N2, the secondary transfer
roller 121 as the secondary transfer means is supported in parallel
with the intermediary transfer belt 120. In the Figure, the
secondary transfer roller 121 is contacted to a lower surface
portion of the intermediary transfer belt 120. To the secondary
transfer roller 121, the predetermined secondary transfer bias
voltage is applied by the secondary transfer bias voltage
source.
[0045] On the other hand, in recording material supplying means
140, the recording material S is supplied from a sheet feeding
cassette 141 through a registration roller 142, a pre-guide
(unshown) of the transferring, and so on. The intermediary transfer
belt 120 and the secondary transfer roller 121 contact relative to
each other to form a nip (secondary transfer portion) N2. Recording
material S is fed at predetermined timing through this nip.
Simultaneously, the secondary transfer bias voltage is applied to
the secondary transfer roller 121 from the secondary transfer bias
voltage source. The composite color toner image transferred
superimposingly by this secondary transfer bias voltage onto the
intermediary transfer belt 120 is transferred onto recording
material S from the intermediary transfer member 130 (secondary
transfer).
[0046] After the primary transfer finishes, the toner
(untransferred toner) which remains on each photosensitive drum
111a-111d is removed and collected with cleaner 116a-116d. In this
way, each photosensitive drums 111a-111d are cleaned, and it is
prepared for the formation of the following latent image. The toner
and the other foreign matters which remain on the intermediary
transfer belt 120 are wiped off by a cleaning web (nonwoven fabric)
122 contacted to the surface of the intermediary transfer belt
120.
[0047] The recording material S carrying the toner image is
introduced into the fixing device 130 which will be described
hereinafter from the secondary transfer portion N2. In the fixing
device 130, the toner image is fixed on the transfer material S by
the heat and the pressure being applied to recording material
S.
(Fixing Device)
[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the
fixing device 130 which is the image heating device according to
the present invention. The fixing device 130 comprises the fixing
roller (fixing member) 1 as a heating rotatable member for heating
the image on recording material S, and a pressing roller (pressing
member) 2 as a nip forming rotatable member for forming the nip
(fixing nip) N3 in contact to the fixing roller 1. The fixing
roller 1 is heated by a heating source 15 provided therein, and,
the recording material S carrying the toner image is nipped and fed
into the fixing nip N3, so that the toner image is fixed on the
recording material S. In this embodiment, the fixing device 130 is
provided with a refreshing roller 3 rotatable as a rubbing member
for recovering (improving) the surface property thereof by rubbing
the surface of the fixing roller 1.
[0049] As will be described hereinafter, the refreshing roller 3
superimposes rubbing scratches on both the surface of the fixing
roller 1 roughened by the passage of the recording material S, and
the surface which is not damaged thereby. By doing so, it reduces
the glossiness difference on the image to the extent that the
difference is not observed. The refreshing roller 3 gives the
rubbing scratches, or embossing the fixing roller 1 substantially
without scraping off the surface of the fixing roller 1. In other
words, the refreshing roller 3 uniformizes the surface state by
roughening the surface of the fixing roller 1 to a desired level.
By doing so, the glossiness difference on the image which is not
desirable is suppressed.
(1) Fixing Roller
[0050] The fixing roller 1 as the rotatable heating member
comprises a metal core shaft (base layer) 11, and an elastic layer
12 thereon which comprises a rubber layer and a parting layer 13
thereon as the surface layer. In this embodiment, the core shaft is
a hollow core metal of aluminum with an outer diameter of 68 mm.
The elastic layer is a silicone rubber layer of 20 degrees (JIS-A,
1 kg load) in a rubber hardness, and it is molded into a thickness
of 11.0 mm. The surface parting layer is a coating layer of the
30-micrometer-thick of a fluorinated resin material. The outer
diameter of the fixing roller 1 is 70 mm. The parting layer is
intended to suppress toner off-set to the fixing roller during the
fixing operation. The fixing roller 1 is rotatably supported by a
supporting members provided at the opposite ends of the core metal
11 with respect to the longitudinal direction (rotation axis
direction). It is rotated in the direction of arrow in the Figure
by an unshown motor as driving means.
[0051] The parting layer 13 is a fluorinated resin material tube
into which the fluorinated resin material having an excellent
parting property is formed. As for the fluorinated resin material,
PFA resin material (copolymer resin material of a tetrafluorinated
ethylene resin materials and perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin
material), PTFE (tetrafluorinated ethylene resin materials), and so
on are usable. In this embodiment, the material of the parting
layer 13 is a PFA resin material tube. The thickness of the parting
layer 13 as the surface layer of the fixing roller 1 is preferably
10 micrometers or more and 60 micrometers or less. The Shore
hardness of the surface layer of the fixing roller 1 is preferably
not less than D40 and not more than D90. The surface layer of the
fixing roller 1 is desired to keep the parting property. If it is
too soft, the surface layer there of will be scraped with the
result of short lifetime. If it is too hard, on the contrary, the
rubbing effect by the refreshing roller which will be described
hereinafter would not be enough. The Shore hardness in the
embodiment is D50.
[0052] The fixing roller 1 includes a halogen heater 15 as a
heating source therein. The temperature control is effected to
provide 160 degrees by an unshown a temperature sensor and an
unshown temperature control circuit.
(2) Pressing Roller
[0053] A pressing roller 2 as a nip forming member comprises a
metal core shaft (base layer) 21, and an elastic layer 22 thereon
which comprises a rubber layer and a parting layer 23 as a surface
layer thereon. In this embodiment, the core shaft is a hollow core
metal of aluminum with an outer diameter of 48 mm. The elastic
layer is a silicone rubber of 20 degrees (JIS-A, 1 kg load) in
rubber hardness, and the thickness thereof is 11.0 mm. The parting
layer is a coating layer of 30-micrometer-thick fluorinated resin
material. The outer diameter of the pressing roller is 50 mm. The
pressing roller 2 is rotatably supported by the supporting member
provided at the opposite ends of a core metal 21 with respect to
the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction). The
supporting members at the opposite longitudinal end portions for
the pressing roller 2 are urged by the pressing springs (unshown)
as the urging means, respectively, so that the pressing roller 2 is
pressed to the fixing roller 1 with the predetermined pressure. By
doing so, a fixing nip N3 which has a predetermined width (the
dimension measured in a peripheral movement direction of the
roller) between the fixing roller 1 and the pressing roller 2 is
formed. In this embodiment, the pressing roller 2 is pressed by a
total pressure 800N against the fixing roller 1.
[0054] In this embodiment, the surface movement speed (peripheral
speed) of the fixing roller 1 is 220 mm/sec. The peripheral speed
of this fixing roller 1 corresponds to the process speed (image
outputting speed) of the image forming apparatus 100.
(3) Refreshing Roller
[0055] Referring also to FIG. 3, the refreshing roller 3 as the
rubbing member comprises a core metal (base material) 31 of SUS304
(stainless steel) with an outer diameter of 12 mm, a rubbing layer
(surface layer) 33 as a rubbing material constituted by abrasive
grain provided at a high density, and a binding layer (middle
layer) 32 between them.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the
refreshing roller 3. As for the rubbing material 33A which
constitutes the rubbing layer 33 of the surface layer of the
refreshing roller 3, usable material includes aluminum oxide,
aluminum hydroxide, silicon oxide, cerium oxide, titanium oxide,
zirconia, lithium silicate, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, iron
oxide, chromium oxide, antimony oxide, diamond, and a mixture of
these materials, in the form of abrasive grain bonded by a binding
layer 32.
[0057] In this embodiment, the rubbing material 33A is alumina
(aluminum oxide) (it is also called "Alundum" or "Molundum.")
material. An alumina material is abrasive grain used most widely.
The material has a sufficiently high hardness as compared with the
fixing roller 1, and has an acute angle configuration, and
therefore, it is excellent in a machining property and, for this
reason, it preferable as the rubbing material 33A in this
embodiment.
[0058] The refreshing roller 3 is rotatably supported by the
supporting members provided at the opposite ends with respect to
the longitudinal direction (rotation axial direction) of a core
metal 31. The refreshing roller 3 is rotatable by a motor 34 as the
driving means. The supporting members of the opposite longitudinal
end portion of the refreshing roller 3 are urged by the pressing
spring (unshown) as the urging means, by which the refreshing
roller 3 is pressed to the fixing roller 1 with a predetermined
pressure. By doing so, a rubbing nip N4 which has a predetermined
width with respect to each direction of the surface movements
between the refreshing roller 3 and the fixing roller 1 is formed.
The refreshing roller 3 may be rotated codirectinally or
counterdirectionally with respect to the direction of the surface
movement of the rollers in the contact portion (rubbing portion)
between the refreshing roller 3 and the fixing roller 1. As will be
described hereinafter, a peripheral speed difference is preferably
provided between the fixing roller 1 and the refreshing roller
3.
[0059] The structure and operation of the refreshing roller 3 such
as a pressure, a rotational direction, a surface movement speed
(peripheral speed), will be described hereinafter.
[0060] Thus, the refreshing roller 3 has a laminated structure
including at least 3 layers including a base material, a middle
layer and a surface layer. The surface layer comprises abrasive
grain 33A the rubbing material, and the middle layer has an elastic
layer 32 comprising an elastic member. In this embodiment, the
bonding layer (adhesive material layer) 32 functions as the elastic
layer.
[0061] Which will be described hereinafter in detail the
microhardness of the refreshing roller 3 is not less than 0.03 GPa
and not more than 1.0 GPa. By this, the refreshing roller 3 can rub
the fixing roller surface uniformly by the surface layer rubbing
material layer 33, and the following advantage. Because of the
provision of the elastic layer 32 as the middle layer, even if
foreign matter is introduced into between the refreshing roller 3
and the fixing roller 1, the elastic layer 32 can wrap the foreign
matter. By this, an accidental production of sharp damages on the
fixing roller 1 by the foreign matter and the like externally
supplied, can be suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of image defect
provided by the transfer of the damage can be avoided. The elastic
layer 32 is effective to expand the contact nip N4 between the
refreshing roller 3 and the fixing roller 1, so that satisfactory
rubbing property can be maintained. In this embodiment, the
microhardness of the surface layer of the refreshing roller 3 was
0.07 GPa.
[0062] The material of the elastic layer 32 (elastic material
rubber, elastomer) may be one or more of butyl rubber,
fluorine-containing rubber, acrylic rubber, EPDM, NBR,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene
rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber the
ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propyleneterpolymer,
chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated
polyethylene, urethane rubber, syndiotactic 1, 2-polybutadiene,
epichlorohydrin rubber, silicone, fluorine-containing rubber,
polysulfide rubber, polynorbornene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile
rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (polystyrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl
chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, polyurea, polyester, fluorinated
resin material or the like elastic material). However, the material
is not limited to such material.
[0063] As will be described hereinafter in detail the elastic layer
32 is made of an elastic member having a thickness not less than 20
.mu.m and not more than 60 .mu.m and JIS-A hardness (1 kg load) of
not less than 40.degree. and not more than 70.degree.. In this
example, the used adhesive material has a JIS-A hardness (1 kg
load) of not less than 40.degree. and not more than 70.degree..
[0064] By this, the foreign matter between the fixing roller 1 and
the refreshing roller 3 can be wrapped, so that damage on the
surface of the fixing roller 1 can be prevented. In this
embodiment, silicone rubber having a JIS-A hardness of 40.degree.
was used as the elastic layer (adhesive material layer) 32. In this
embodiment, the thickness of the elastic layer 32 was 40 .mu.m.
[0065] For the measurement of the microhardness of the surface
layer of the refreshing roller 3, triboScope available from
HYSITRON as shown in FIG. 5 is used. The measuring probe for
measuring the microhardness is the Berkovich chip (142.3 degrees).
Here, the load of a measurement using was 50 micro N. The pressure
is increased to the load specified for 5 seconds, and the pressure
is removed for 5 seconds. FIG. 6 shows a load curve at the time of
the load of 50 micro N. The measurement was carried out under the
temperature of 23.degree. C. and the relative humidity of 50%. At
this time, the hardness H is determined as follows.
H=Pmax/A.
[0066] Here, Pmax is a maximum stress applied to a probe, and A is
a contact area of the probe. In the case of the used probe, a
contact area A is as follows:
A=24.5hc.sup.2.
[0067] where hc is an amount of entering into the inside of the
refreshing roller of the probe.
[0068] The hardness H of the refreshing roller of this embodiment
was 0.07 GPa (50 micro N load).
(4) State of Surface of Fixing Roller
[0069] Here, the change of the state of the surface of the fixing
roller due to the passage of recording material S will be
described.
[0070] The inventors have investigated the problem that the surface
of the fixing roller 1 is gradually damaged with the contamination
by attack of the sheet processing, the paper dust, the offset
toner, and so on, particularly, the problem of attack by the sheet
passing, and have revealed the following.
[0071] When many recording sheets are supplied to the fixing roller
1 at the constant position, roughness of the surface of the fixing
roller 1 becomes uneven. As shown in FIG. 9 (a), in the detail,
roughness and others of the surface of the fixing roller 1 differs
from each other among (I) a sheet passing area, the (II)
non-sheet-passing area, and (III) region corresponding to an edge
portion of the boundary between the sheet passing area and the
non-sheet-passing area.
[0072] The surface of the fixing roller 1 provided with the surface
parting layers, such as the fluorinated resin material, is in the
state of the specular surface, and in the initial stage of usage,
the surface roughness Rz (JIS, ten-point average roughness) thereof
is about 0.1 micrometer-0.3 micrometer. In the region which the
recording paper passes (i) on the fixing roller 1, the surface of
the fixing roller 1 is gradually leveled by attack, such as the
fiber of paper, and an externally added material of the toner. The
surface roughness Rz of the fixing roller 1 of this region is
gradually increased to approx 1.0 micrometer (FIG. 10).
[0073] For the measurement of the surface roughness Rz, ( ) a
surface roughness measuring device SE-3400 available from Kabushiki
Kaisha Kosaka Kenkyujo was used. As for the measuring condition, a
sending speed is 0.5 mm/s, a cutting off is 0.8 mm, and a
measurement length is 2.5 mm.
[0074] The edge (hereafter called "edge portion") around the
recording sheet has the flash produced during a period in which
paper is cut (FIG. 11). For this reason, in the region (III)
corresponding to the edge portion, against the fixing roller 1,
attack is comparatively large and the surface roughness Rz of the
fixing roller 1 of this region is gradually increased to about 1.0
micrometers-2.0 micrometers (FIG. 10). When a cutting blade wears
in a cutting step from the large size and sharpness becomes the
poor, it is easy to produce the flash.
[0075] In the region (III) through which the recording paper does
not pass, the surface of the fixing roller 1 is contacted to an
opposing pressing roller 2. The surface roughness Rz of the fixing
roller 1 of this region is slowly increased as compared with the
sheet passing area (i) to approx 1.0 micrometer.
[0076] As a result, the surface roughness of the fixing roller
after the continuous sheet processing changes as follows.
edge portion (III)>sheet-passing region (I)>non-sheet-passing
region (III)>Initial state.
[0077] For this reason, the states of the surface of the fixing
roller 1 differ depending on a longitudinal position.
[0078] The state of the surface of the fixing roller 1 and a gloss
non-uniformity on the image will be described.
[0079] When the toner image of the unfixed is fixed on recording
material S, the fixing device 130 supplies the pressure and the
heat to recording material S. At this time, the state of the minute
surface of the fixing roller 1 is impressed on the surface of the
toner image after the fixing. When the state of the surface on the
fixing roller 1 changes, the difference of the surface state
appears on the toner image correspondingly to it. As a result, a
glossiness non-uniformity (non-uniformity unevenness in glossiness)
is produced on the image (FIG. 12).
[0080] Particularly this phenomenon is remarkable in the high gloss
coated paper having a high surface smoothness. In the case of the
high quality paper used in an offices, it is usually on an
invisible level. As a result of the investigation of the inventors,
production of the scratches by the edge portion of a sheet is
dependent on the paper kind, but in the case of the paper which has
a large flash produced by the paper cutting, the scratches are
relatively large. The scratches due to the edge portion in other
thick paper, a coated paper, and so on are relatively less.
[0081] Generally in the case having a high the reproducibility of
the positive reflected light image, the glossiness is high. It is
low when the reproducibility is low or nothing. For example, when
the image of a film photograph is seen under the illumination of a
fluorescent lamp, not only the light of the fluorescent lamp but
the configuration of the fluorescent lamp thereof is reflected. In
this case, the high glossiness is recognized irrespective of
consciousness. This is because the state of the surface of a
photographic image is smooth and specular. On the other hand, in
the case of the low glossiness, the contrary applies. The state of
the surface of the image is unsmooth, the light of the fluorescent
lamp is diffused, and, the configuration thereof is not reflected
on the image. In this manner, there is an interrelation between the
unsmoothness and the glossiness of the state of the surface on the
image.
[0082] For this reason, particularly, in the case of fixing an
image on the high-glossiness coated paper which requires a high
image quality, the strips of the low glossiness appears in the
position (roughened position) corresponding to the edge portion of
the fixing roller 1, or the glossiness difference is produced
between the sheet passing area and the non-sheet-passing area. In
this manner, the gloss non-uniformity is produced on the image.
(5) Rubbing Operation by Refreshing Roller
(Refreshing Operation):
[0083] In this embodiment, the gloss non-uniformity on the image
due to the surface of the fixing roller 1 damaged by the passage of
recording material S is eliminated using the refreshing roller 3.
More particularly, the difference of the unsmoothness of the
surface state is removed by imparting fine rubbing scratches
throughout the longitudinal direction (the sheet passing area, the
non-sheet-passing area) on the fixing roller 1 by the refreshing
roller 3. In this manner, the state of the surface of the fixing
roller 1 can be changed by the refreshing roller 3 (renewal). By
doing so, the low glossiness stripe and the glossiness difference
between the sheet passing area and the non-sheet-passing area in
the position corresponding to the edge portion are eliminated on
the image. In other words, the state of the surface of the fixing
roller can be improved. The scratches provided on the fixing roller
1 by the refreshing roller 3 imparting such many fine rubbing
scratches are invisible on the image. In other words, in this
embodiment, the fine rubbing scratches are superimposed on the
existing scratches which the surface of the fixing roller 1 has,
and, by doing so, they are made invisible on recording material S
(FIG. 9 (b)).
[0084] More particularly, in this embodiment, the fixing roller 1
is rubbed using the refreshing roller under the following
conditions. the particle size of the grains 33A of the surface
layer 33 of the refreshing roller 3 is 9 .mu.m, and the thickness
of the elastic layer 32 of the refreshing roller is 40 .mu.m. the
refreshing roller 3 is rotated at the speed of 70% speed difference
counterdirectionally relative to the fixing roller 1. the contact
pressure of the refreshing roller to the fixing roller is 100
g/cm.
[0085] Here, the particle size of abrasive grain is determined
using the scanning electron microscope S-4500 (available from
Kabushiki Kaisha Hitachi Seisakusho, Japan). Randomly, 100 or more
abrasive grains are extracted, and, a number average particle size
is calculated using imaging process analyzing apparatus Luzex3
(available from Kosaka Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan).
[0086] The rotation of the refresh roller 3 with the peripheral
speed difference (peripheral speed ratio rate) of 70%
counterdirectionally relative to the fixing roller 1 means the
following.
[0087] For example, when the peripheral speed of the fixing roller
1 is 220 mm/sec, the refresh roller 3 is rotated at 66 mm/sec so
that surface of the refresh roller 3 moves counterdirectionally
(opposite direction) at the contact portion (sliding portion)
relative to the fixing roller 1.
[0088] When the peripheral speed of the fixing roller is V mm/sec,
and the peripheral speed of the refresh roller is v mm/sec.
[0089] Taking the peripheral speed V of the fixing roller as a
positive, the peripheral speed of the refresh roller is positive
when the surface moving direction is the same as that of the fixing
roller at the contact portion (sliding portion) between the fixing
roller and the refresh roller, and is negative if it is the
opposite.
[0090] (|V-v|/V).times.100 at this time is called peripheral speed
ratio, here.
[0091] The contact pressure [g/cm] of the refresh roller 3 is
measured by measuring the contact pressure by a surface pressure
measurement distribution system I-SCAN (available from Nitta
Kabushiki Kaisha), and by dividing the measured pressure by the
contact width (in the rotation axial direction).
[0092] The measurement is carried out with the fixing roller and
the refresh roller kept at rest.
[0093] After 1000 sheets of A4R width are processed (the scratches
or damage is given), the rubbing operation of the refresh roller 3
is carried out to the fixing roller 1 for 30 sec.
[0094] By the contact for 30 sec, the surface of the fixing roller
1 is changed from the state schematically shown in FIG. 9, (a) to
the state shown in FIG. 9, (b) By the contact of the refresh roller
3, the entire area surface of the fixing roller 1 is given a large
number of rubbing scratches.
[0095] The fixing roller 1 having a parting layer of fluorinated
resin material or the like as the surface layer, for example, has a
surface roughness of Rz 0.1 .mu.m-0.3 .mu.m in an unroughened
state, but the surface roughness of Rz of the roughened surface
(non-directional recesses) is 0.5 .mu.m-2.0 .mu.m.
[0096] In addition, the rubbing grooves (recesses) which have 10
micrometers or less in width (measured in the rotation axis
direction) by the rubbing material 33A are formed in the rotation
axial direction at the ratio of 10 or more per 100 micrometers. By
doing so, the surface of the fixing roller 1 is refreshed or
improved, so that the glossiness unevenness is suppressed. Although
the surface of the fixing roller is rubbed by the refreshing roller
3, the amount of wearing is very small, more particularly, it is 3
micrometers for the rotation period, which corresponds to 300,000
sheet processings. In this manner, the surface of the fixing roller
1 having the damage provided by the flash of the sheets is
subjected to the rubbing with the refreshing roller 3, by which
very fine scratches are superimposed on the fixing roller surface.
By doing so, the glossiness difference is made non-remarkable, thus
providing uniform glossiness distribution.
[0097] The rubbing operation by the refreshing roller 3 imparts the
fine rubbing scratch positively and intentionally to the surface of
the fixing roller 1. It does not mean or intend to expose an
underlying portion of the surface by scraping the surface of the
fixing roller 1. Namely, a rubbing level of the fixing roller 1 by
the refreshing roller 3 is not the level as in the conventional
abrasion of the fixing roller 1, but is the level for restoring the
state of the unsmoothness of the surface of the fixing roller 1 to
the initial state (embossing or impressing level). In other words,
the recessed state of the surface of the fixing roller 3 is
recovered (improved) by the rubbing of the fixing roller 1 using
the refreshing roller 3. For this reason, the scraped amount of the
parting layer 13 of the fixing roller 1 by the refreshing roller 3
is within the levels which cannot be measured, over the lifetime of
the fixing roller 1 or within the measurement error level. However,
since the fixing roller is damaged by the refreshing roller 3, this
scraped amount does not mean that the surface of the fixing roller
is not scraped at all.
(6) Execution of Rubbing Operation
[0098] As for the refreshing roller 3, it is not inevitable to
always continue rubbing the fixing roller 1 during the image
formation. In this embodiment, there is provided to a counter for
counting the number of image formations (the number of the sheet
passing operations). rubbing operation is automatically carried out
periodically on the basis of the output of the counter.
Alternatively, the rubbing operation is carried out when a user is
concerned with the gloss non-uniformity on the image. In order to
accomplish this, an operation button may be provided in an
operating portion of the image forming apparatus 100 as a user
selectable mode. In the fixing device 130 according to this
embodiment, the separating/contacting means which makes the
refreshing roller 3 movable toward and away from the fixing roller
1 is provided.
[0099] In this embodiment, the refreshing roller 3 provided with
the separating/contacting mechanism and a rotating mechanism is
contacted to the fixing roller 1 by the proper timing. The
separating/contacting operation, relative to the fixing roller 1,
of the refreshing roller 3 by the separating/contacting mechanism
36 is controlled through a motor 35 and a controller 37 as control
means. In addition, in this embodiment, the controller 37 controls
the operation of the motor 34 which transmits a driving force to
the refreshing roller 3. The pressing, to the fixing roller 1, of
the refreshing roller 3 is carried out, as has been described
hereinbefore, by pressing the opposite ends of the refreshing
roller 3 by means of springs.
[0100] In this manner, in this embodiment, by the
separating/contacting mechanism, the refreshing roller is movable
toward and away from the fixing roller 1, and usually, the state of
the contact is established at the desired timing and for a desired
period of time, from the state of the spacing in an image
formation, by which the surface of the fixing roller can be
modified.
[0101] In a specific example, the refreshing roller 3 can be
contacted to the fixing roller 1 under the following condition.
Namely, in the image forming apparatus 100, for example, when
recording material supplying having a size smaller than A3, the
cumulative sheet processing number thereof is counted.
[0102] When the cumulative number of exceeds a predetermined value
(usually, 100-1000, in this embodiment, 500 sheets), the image
forming apparatus 100 carries out a rubbing mode for the fixing
roller 1. In the rubbing mode, the separating/contacting mechanism
36 of the refreshing roller 3 operates in the state of temporary
rest of an image forming operation, and, the operation for
contacting the refreshing roller 3 to the fixing roller 1 is
carried out. For example, when a mechanism for spacing the pressing
roller 2 from the fixing roller 1 is provided, the pressing roller
2 is spaced from the fixing roller 1 simultaneously with the
contact, to the fixing roller 1, of the refreshing roller 3. When
the separating operation of the pressing roller 2 finishes, the
fixing roller 1 starts a rotating operation at a predetermined
peripheral speed (usually the same as the peripheral speed at the
time of the image formation). With the predetermined peripheral
speed difference, the refreshing roller 3 starts the rotating
operation and, operates for a preset time period (15-300 seconds;
30 seconds in this embodiment). Thereafter, when the operations of
the fixing roller 1 and the refreshing roller 3 finish, it returns
to the state of the normal image formation.
[0103] In this manner, the separating/contacting mechanism of the
refreshing roller 3 can be provided.
[0104] The scratches on the fixing roller 1 produced by the edge of
paper will appear on the image, typically when the image is formed
thereafter on the paper having a size larger than paper. In view of
this, the operation for contacting the refreshing roller 3 to the
fixing roller 1 may be carried out only at the time of such a paper
kind change. By doing so, the lifetimes of the fixing roller 1 and
the refreshing roller 3 can preferably be expanded.
[0105] In another example, the refreshing roller 3 can be contacted
to the fixing roller 1 under the following condition. Namely, the
timing at which the refreshing roller 3 is pressed relative to the
fixing roller 1 may be when the unevenness of the flaw or the
roughness is produced on the surface of the fixing roller 1 by the
edge of the recording sheet and the foreign matter, and an image
defects, such as the flaw and the glossiness non-uniformity, appear
on the image. In this case, when the user selects the rubbing
operation for the fixing roller 1 (uniformization process) on the
operating portion of the image forming apparatus 100, the
refreshing roller 3 is pressed to the fixing roller 1 and rotated
for a desired time duration.
[0106] In this embodiment, the refreshing roller 3 is driven by the
driving means exclusively therefor, but the present invention is
not limited to this. For example, the driving force is transmitted
from the driving means for the fixing roller 1 so that it is
rotated with a peripheral speed difference relative to the fixing
roller 1 by a driving gear. For example, the gears of the fixing
roller 1 and the refreshing roller 3 are coupled with a gear ratio
of 1 to 2, by which the refreshing roller 3 can be driven with the
surface speed twice the surface speed of the fixing roller 1.
(7) Test Examples
[0107] The durability tests have been carried out wherein small
size sheets are continuously fed.
[0108] A4 size sheets having a basis weight of 80 g/m2 are
longitudinally fed (fed in the longitudinal direction).
[0109] After 500 sheets are continuously processed, the sliding
mode operation for the fixing roller 1 is automatically carried
out.
[0110] After 30 sec of the sliding operation, A3 size sheets are
processed, and the images are evaluated.
[0111] The evaluation includes the gloss non-uniformity of the
image attributable to the flash and the gloss non-uniformity
attributable to foreign matter.
[0112] The durability test is carried out for 10,000 sheets.
[0113] The microhardness [GPa] of the surface layer of the
refreshing roller 3 was changed to 0.01, 0.03, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0,
3.0.
[0114] The thickness of the sliding material layer (abrasive grain
layer) 33 and the material per se of the sliding material (abrasive
grain) 33A are not changed, and the adhesive material, that is, the
hardness of the adhesive material layer 32 as the elastic layer is
changed.
[0115] The other conditions are as described above.
[0116] The elastic layer 32 of the refreshing roller 3 had a
thickness of 40 .mu.m.
[0117] The particle size of the abrasive grain 33A was 9 .mu.m.
[0118] The refreshing roller 3 is rotated at the 70% peripheral
speed difference for counter-directional surface movement relative
to the fixing roller 1.
[0119] The contact pressure of the refreshing roller 3 to the
fixing roller 1 was 100 g/cm.
[0120] Table 1 shows the microhardness of the refreshing roller 3,
the hardness (JIS-A) of the adhesive material and the results of
the durability tests.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Binder Microhardness Hardness No. of
processed sheets (GPa) (.degree.) .smallcircle. 2000 4000 6000 8000
10000 Remarks 0.01 20 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x x
insufficient rubbing force 0.03 40 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. 0.50 50
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. 1.00 70 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. 2.00 80
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x 3.00 90
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x Damage due to
foreign matte introduction .smallcircle.: No problematic stripes x:
Problematic stripes
[0121] When the microhardness is 0.01 GPa, image stripes
(particularly gloss non-uniformity) appear on the image due to
insufficiency of the rubbing force of the refreshing roller 3.
[0122] It is considered that adhesive material layer 32 of the
refreshing roller 3 is so soft that the abrasive grain 33A of the
surface layer 33 is completely immersed into the adhesive material
layer 32 in the nip (sliding nip) N4 formed by the refreshing
roller 3 and the fixing roller 1 contacted to each other.
[0123] When the microhardness is not less than 0.03 GPa, the
abrasive grain 33A does not immerse in the adhesive material layer
32 in the nip N4, so that satisfactory rubbing power is
provided.
[0124] On the other hand, when the microhardness is 2.0 GPa, 3.0
GPa, the damage appears on the fixing roller 1. The damage is
considered as being produced by the foreign matter (paper dust,
developer carrier particles and so on) introduced into the nip N4
between the refreshing roller and the fixing roller 1 during the
durability test.
[0125] Because of this, image stripes appear on the image.
[0126] From these results, it is understood that microhardness the
GPa] of the surface layer of the refreshing roller 3 is desirably
not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.
[0127] The abrasive grain 33A having five levels of particle sizes
in the range of 3 .mu.m-30 .mu.m is prepared, and the durability
tests (10,000 sheets) were carried out for the respective grain
sizes.
[0128] The other conditions are as described above.
[0129] The elastic layer 32 of the refreshing roller 3 had a
thickness of 40 .mu.m.
[0130] The refreshing roller 3 is rotated at the 70% peripheral
speed difference for counter-directional surface movement relative
to the fixing roller 1.
[0131] The contact pressure of the refreshing roller 3 to the
fixing roller 1 was 100 g/cm.
[0132] Table 2 shows the results of the durability tests.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Particle No. of processed sheets size
(.mu.m) .smallcircle. 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 Remarks 3
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. X X X X insufficient rubbing force 5
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 10 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 20
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 30 .smallcircle. X X X X X Damage
by grain
[0133] When the particle size of the abrasive grain 33A is 3 .mu.m,
the rubbing force relative to the fixing roller 1 is so
insufficient that image stripes (particularly gloss non-uniformity)
appear on the image.
[0134] When the particle size of the abrasive grain 33A is 5 .mu.m,
10 .mu.m or 20 .mu.m, the level of the image stripes is not a
problem throughout the 10,000 sheets durability tests.
[0135] But, when the particle sizes of the abrasive grain 33A is 30
.mu.m, such scratches due to the grain as are influential to the
image are formed on the surface of the fixing roller 1.
[0136] This results on the entire image as image defects.
[0137] From the results, the size of the abrasive grain 33A
(particle sizes) is preferably not less than 5 .mu.m and not more
than 20 .mu.m.
[0138] As described above, it is preferable that abrasive grain 33A
is densely provided in the surface layer of the refreshing roller
3.
[0139] It is preferable that surface layer 33 of the refreshing
roller 3 comprises particles having a particle sizes of not less
than 5 .mu.m and not more than 20 .mu.m and has a thickness of not
less than 5 .mu.m and not more than 20 .mu.m.
[0140] If the particle size is less than the lower limit of the
range, the rubbing effect of the refreshing roller 3 is not
enough.
[0141] If it exceeds the upper limit of the range, the surface of
the fixing roller 1 is so damaged that image is influenced.
[0142] Then, the thickness of the elastic layer 32 of the
refreshing roller 3 is changed in five levels (10, 20, 40, 60 and
80 .mu.m), and the similar durability tests were carried out.
[0143] The particle size of the abrasive grain 33A is 10 .mu.m, and
the other conditions have been as described hereinbefore.
[0144] Table 3 shows the results of the durability tests.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Thickness of Elastic layer No. of processed
sheets (.mu.m) .smallcircle. 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 Remarks 10
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x Damage due foreign
matter 20 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 40 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 60
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 80 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x Increased torque .smallcircle.: No
problematic stripes x: Problematic stripes
[0145] When the elastic layer 32 is 10 .mu.m, the image damage
attributable to the introduction of foreign matter from the initial
stage of the durability tests.
[0146] When the elastic layer 32 has the thickness 20 .mu.m, 40
.mu.m or 60 .mu.m, satisfactory durability has been confirmed.
[0147] But, when the thickness of the elastic layer 32 is 80 .mu.m,
operation defects attributable to the torque rise of the driving
motor for the refreshing roller 3 occurred.
[0148] It is considered that thickness elastic layer 32 expands the
nip N4 with the result that frictional force is large.
[0149] In order to eliminate this, it is considered that motor
capacity is raised, but doing so is not preferable in view of the
bulkiness of the apparatus.
[0150] From these results, the thickness of the elastic layer 32 is
preferably within the range of not less than 20 .mu.m and not more
than 60 .mu.m.
[0151] Then, the rotational direction of the refreshing roller 3
and the peripheral speed difference (peripheral speed ratio)
relative to the fixing roller 1 are changed, and similar durability
tests were carried out.
[0152] The peripheral speed difference of the refreshing roller 3
relative to the fixing roller 1 was 25%, 50%, 100% or 150% when the
rotational direction of the refreshing roller 3 is opposite to the
direction of the fixing roller 1 (opposite at the contact
portion).
[0153] On the other hand, when the directions are the same, it was
200%, 250%, 300% or 350%.
[0154] The other conditions are as described above.
[0155] The elastic layer 32 of the refreshing roller 3 had a
thickness of 40 .mu.m.
[0156] The particle size of the abrasive grain 33A was 9 .mu.m.
[0157] The contact pressure of the refreshing roller 3 to the
fixing roller 1 was 10 g/cm.
[0158] Table 4 shows the results of the durability tests.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Rot. Diff. No. of processed sheets directin
(%) .smallcircle. 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 Remarks Oppo- 150
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x Torque site
increase 100 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 50 .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. Good 25 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x x
insufficient rubbing force Same 200 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x
x x insufficient rubbing force 250 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 300
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 350 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x
x x x Torque increase .smallcircle.: No problematic stripes x:
Problematic stripes
[0159] When the peripheral speed difference opposite 25% and when
it is same 200%, the rubbing force of the refreshing roller 3 is
not sufficient, and image stripes (gloss non-uniformity) appear on
the image.
[0160] On the other hand, the peripheral speed difference is
opposite 150% and when it is same 350%, operation defects due to
torque rise of the driving motor for the refreshing roller 3
occurs.
[0161] From these results, the peripheral speed difference
(peripheral speed ratio) of the refreshing roller 3 relative to the
fixing roller 1 is preferably not less than 50% and not more than
100% when the surface moving direction is opposite to the fixing
roller 1 at the contact portion (rubbing portion).
[0162] The peripheral speed difference (peripheral speed ratio) of
the refreshing roller 3 relative to the fixing roller 1 is
preferably not less than 250% and not more than 300% when the
surface moving direction is the same as the fixing roller 1 at the
contact portion (rubbing portion).
[0163] With respect to the rubbing force of the refreshing roller 3
relative to the fixing roller 1, the peripheral speed difference
between the refreshing roller 3 and the fixing roller 1 is thought
to be important, and if the peripheral speed difference is within
the preferable range, the rotational direction of the refreshing
roller 3 may be either.
[0164] Finally, the contact pressure of the refreshing roller 3
relative to the fixing roller 1 is changed, and the similar
durability tests were carried out.
[0165] The contact pressure [g/cm] are changed to five levels 25,
50, 100, 150, 200.
[0166] The other conditions are as described above.
[0167] The elastic layer 32 of the refreshing roller 3 had a
thickness of 40 .mu.m.
[0168] The particle size of the abrasive grain 33A was 9 .mu.m.
[0169] The refreshing roller 3 is rotated at the 70% peripheral
speed difference for counter-directional surface movement relative
to the fixing roller 1.
[0170] Table 5 shows the results of the durability tests.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Press. No. of processed sheets (g/cm)
.smallcircle. 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 Remarks 25 .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x x insufficient rubbing force 50
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 100 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 150
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Good 200 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x
x x x Torque increase .smallcircle.: No problematic stripes x:
Problematic stripes
[0171] When the contact pressure is 25 g/cm, the rubbing force is
not sufficient with the result of image stripe the particularly
gloss non-uniformity) appearing on the image.
[0172] On the other hand, when the contact pressure is 50 g/cm, 10
g/cm, 150 g/cm, satisfactory durable properties are confirmed.
[0173] However, the contact pressure is 200 g/cm, operation defects
due to driving torque rise of the refreshing roller 3 occurred.
[0174] From the results, the contact pressure of the refreshing
roller 3 is preferably not less than 50 g/cm and not more than 150
g/cm.
[0175] In other words, the contact pressure of the refreshing
roller 3 is preferably within the range of not less than 49 N/m and
not more than 147 N/m.
[0176] The fixing roller 1 and the refreshing roller 3 can form a
wide nip N4 because of the provisions of the elastic layer 12 in
the fixing roller 1 and the elastic layer 32 in the refreshing
roller 3.
[0177] This is effective to reduce the time required for changing
the surface roughness of the fixing roller 1.
[0178] As for the surface layer 13 of the fixing roller 1, any can
be used if it has an excellent parting property and is capable of
cooperating with the refreshing roller 3 to form a proper nip
N4.
[0179] For example, the following is usable examples.
[0180] A roller comprises a core metal made of aluminum, a HTV
(high temperature vulcanization type) silicone rubber layer having
a thickness of 2.8 mm, thereon, and a dimethyl silicone rubber
coating layer of RTV (room temperature vulcanization type) thereon
having an outer diameter of 40 mm.
[0181] Another roller comprises an aluminum core metal having of
thickness of 1 mm, and a PFA tube having a thickness of 50 .mu.m
coating it with an adhesive material.
[0182] As described in the foregoing, by contacting the refreshing
roller 3 having the elastic layer 32 to the surface layer of the
fixing roller 1 to rub it, by which the damage to the fixing roller
1 attributable to the flash at the lateral ends of the sheet during
the continuous sheet processing.
[0183] By this, uniform gloss images can be formed stably.
[0184] According to this embodiment, even if foreign matter is
introduced into between the refreshing roller 3 and the fixing
roller 1, the damage influential to the resultant image is not
given on the fixing roller 1.
[0185] In addition, according to this embodiment, the reduction of
the lifetime of the fixing roller 1 is suppressed, and the
glossiness non-uniformity on the image due to the trace of passage
of the recording materials S can be suppressed.
[0186] (Detailed Settings of the Rubbing Rotatable Member)
[0187] By giving the fine rubbing scratches to the fixing roller,
the preferable setting of the fixing device for eliminating the
gloss non-uniformity attributable to the scratches on the fixing
rollers produced by the edge portion, will be described in detail.
Here, by changing the conditions of the rubbing rotatable member
and the rubbing operation, the rubbing scratches of different
levels are given on the fixing roller, and eliminating power for
the gloss non-uniformity on the image is investigated. In addition,
the investigations are made about whether the damaging scratches
are produced.
[0188] (Specific Examples and Comparison Examples)
[0189] Table 1 shows specific examples and comparison examples of
the settings which satisfy the preferable apparatus condition which
will be described hereinafter.
[0190] Here, in the comparison examples, the use is made with a
fixing device of an oil application type. The fixing roller of this
fixing device comprises an aluminum hollow core metal with an outer
diameter of 68 mm and the silicone rubber thereon which has 20
degrees (JIS-A, 1 kg load) of rubber hardness, as the elastic
layer. It has 11.0 mm in thickness, and an outer diameter of 70 mm.
The outer periphery of the fixing roller is contacted by an oil
application roller. The microhardness of the surface layer of the
fixing roller of the fixing device of oil application type was a
0.02 GPa. The pressing roller of the fixing device has aluminum
hollow core metal with an outer diameter of 48 mm and the silicone
rubber which has 20 degrees (JIS-A, 1 kg load) of rubber hardness,
as the elastic layer. It has 11.0 mm in thickness, and an outer
diameter of 50 mm. This pressing roller is pressed to the fixing
roller with a total pressure of 800N.
[0191] The fixing device of an oil-less type has the structure
similar to the fixing device of an embodiment except for the
various condition settings shown in Table 6.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Fixing Per. spd Press. roller Rubbing member
mm/sec [N] Time Comp Ex. 1 Oil Cleaning web .apprxeq.0 20 5 Sec
Comp. Ex. 2 Oil-less Cleaning web .apprxeq.0 20 5 Sec Comp. Ex. 3
Oil-less Refresh roller #4000 0 20 5 Sec Comp. Ex. 4 Oil-less
Refresh roller #1000 220 Drivn 20 5 Sec Comp. Ex. 5 Oil-less
Refresh roller #1000 220 20 50 Sec Driven Comp. Ex. 6 Oil-less
Refresh roller #800 -110 20 5 Sec Example 1 Oil-less Refresh roller
#1000 -110 20 5 Sec Example 2 Oil-less Refresh roller #4000 -110 20
5 Sec Comp. Ex. 7 Oil-less Refresh roller #6000 -110 20 5 Sec
Example 3 Oil-less Refresh roller #4000 -110 10 5 Sec Example 4
Oil-less Refresh roller #4000 -110 100 5 Sec Comp. Ex. 8 Oil-less
Refresh roller #4000 -110 150 5 Sec Example 5 Oil-less Refresh
roller #4000 440 20 5 Sec Comp. Ex. 9 Oil Refresh roller #4000 -110
20 5 Sec
[0192] As shown in FIG. 8, the rubbing rotatable members for
rubbing the fixing roller 1 in the comparison examples 1 and 2 are
not the refreshing rollers 3 but cleaning webs 200. This cleaning
web 200 is made of ordinary heat resistive fibers (Nomex
(tradename)). As for the cleaning web 200, the web roller 210
provided with the elastic layer is pressed by the springs with
total pressure of 20N at the opposite longitudinal end portions, by
which it is pressed to the fixing roller 1. The cleaning web 200 is
moved from a winding-off side (winding-off roller) 211 to a
winding-up side (winding-up roller 2-2) by about 0.5 mm per one
sheet of recording material S intermittently. However, it is
substantially at rest relative to the peripheral speed 220 mm/sec
of the fixing roller 1.
[0193] The time (time duration of the rubbing operation) of the
rubbing is the time in which the operation scratching the surface
of the fixing roller 1 by the rubbing rotatable member is carried
out. The outer diameter of the fixing roller 1 is 70 mm, and
therefore, an outer periphery length is 220 mm (70n mm), and 5
seconds of the rubbing operation corresponds to 5 full-turns of the
fixing roller 1.
[0194] In the comparison examples 3-9 and the specific examples
1-5, the refreshing roller 3 is used. As has been described
hereinbefore, the refreshing roller 3 has the core metal 31 of SUS
with an outer diameter of 12 mm, and the binding layer 32 thereon.
In the binding layer 32, abrasive grain 33A is bonded densely (FIG.
4). #800, #1000, #4000, #6000 in Table 6 are the grits of abrasive
grain 33A of the refreshing rollers 3. The particle sizes of
abrasive grain 33A has a certain range of distribution, but,
average particle size #800 corresponds to about 20 micrometers,
#1000 corresponds to about 16 micrometers, and #4000 corresponds to
about 3 micrometers, and, #6000 corresponds to about 2 micrometers.
Abrasive grain 33A is of above described alumina type.
[0195] It is preferable that average particle sizes of abrasive
grain are 5 micrometers or more and 20 micrometers or less
correspondingly to the grit No. of above described abrasive
grain.
[0196] Here, the particle size of abrasive grain is determined
using the scanning electron microscope S-4500 (available from
Kabushiki Kaisha Hitachi Seisakusho, Japan). Randomly, 100 or more
abrasive grains are extracted, and, a number average particle size
is calculated using imaging process analyzing apparatus Luzex3
(available from Kosaka Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan).
[0197] The pressure (total pressure) N to the roller is measured by
surface pressure measurement distribution system I-SCAN (available
form Nitta Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan). The measurement is carried out
by the state where the fixing roller and the pressing roller are at
rest.
[0198] In each example, the refreshing roller 3 is pressed by the
springs in the opposite longitudinal end portions thereof with the
total pressures of 10N-150N, to the fixing roller 1.
[0199] The peripheral speed of 0 mm/sec means that the refreshing
roller 3 is at rest in the comparison example 3. The peripheral
speed of 220 mm/sec in the comparison examples 4 and 5 means that
the refreshing roller 3 is driven by the fixing roller 1. In
addition, peripheral speed-110 mm/sec in the comparison examples
6-9 and the specific examples 1-4, means that the refreshing roller
3 moves counterdirectionally relative to the fixing roller in the
contact portion at 110 mm/sec. In addition, the peripheral speed of
440 mm/sec in a specific example 5 means that the refreshing roller
3 is rotated at sec in 440 mm/sec in the contact portion
codirectionally relative to the fixing roller 1.
[0200] (Test Method)
[0201] The test method for the comparison and specific examples
will be described. First, one thousand sheets (available from Canon
Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan, high quality paper, A4R) for a color laser
copying machine (registered Trademark) is supplied into above
described fixing device longitudinally. The scratches are formed on
the surface of the fixing roller 1 by the edge portions of the
lateral ends (direction perpendicular to the feeding direction) of
the high quality sheets. The basis weight of this high quality
sheet is 80 g/m2. Coated sheet, namely, O.K. top coat 128 g/m2
(available from Shinoji Kabushiki Kaisha, A4) is fed widthwisely,
and a uniform image of cyan half-tone gradation is formed. At the
positions corresponding to the lateral ends of the A4R width on
this image, the gloss non-uniformity attributable to the scratches
(edge scratch) on the fixing roller by the edge portion is seen.
The examinations were effected about whether the scratch (damaging
scratch) used as an elimination degree by above described rubbing
rotatable member and the problem on the image of this gloss
non-uniformity produces. The surface roughness Rz of the edge
scratch portion on the fixing roller 1 was 0.5 micrometer-2.0
micrometer, and even if the sheet processing operation was
continues to the 100,000 sheets, the surface roughness did not
increase. For this reason, the evaluation is carried out after
1000-sheet processing. In order to confirm the injurious effect, it
was confirmed whether the foreign matters, such as dust, would
stagnate upstream of the nip with respect to the direction of the
surface movement of the fixing roller 1.
(Test Results)
[0202] Table 7 shows the results of above described tests.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Gloss non- Deffective Foreign matter
uniformity damage stagnation Comp. x x x Ex. 1 Comp. x x x Ex. 2
Comp. .smallcircle. x x Ex. 3 Comp. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
Ex. 4 Comp. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Ex. 5 Comp.
.smallcircle. x .smallcircle. Ex. 6 Example 1 .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Example 2 .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. Comp. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Ex. 7 Example 3
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Example 4 .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. Comp. .smallcircle. x .smallcircle. Ex.
8 Example 5 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Comp.
.smallcircle. x .smallcircle. Ex. 9 Gloss non-uniformity
.smallcircle.: No x: Yes Deffective damage .smallcircle.: No x: Yes
Foreign matter stagnation .smallcircle.: No x: Yes
[0203] In FIG. 13 (a)-(e), the surface of the fixing roller 1
adjacent to the position corresponding to the edge portion is
schematically shown. FIG. 13 (a) shows the state of the surface of
the fixing roller 1 before carrying out the rubbing operation. In
this state, the gloss non-uniformity arises on the image. FIG. 13
(b) shows the state where the scratches of the grade which is
visible on the image along the direction of the surface movement of
the fixing roller 1 by the rubbing operation are formed, and the
difference in the roughness between the edge scratch portion and
other portions remains. In this state, the gloss non-uniformity and
the damaging scratch arise on the image. FIG. 13 (c) shows the
state having the formed scratches of the grade which is visible on
the image along the direction of the surface movement of the fixing
roller 1 by the rubbing operation, and the difference in the
roughness between the edge scratch portion and the other portions
is erased. In this state, the gloss non-uniformity does not arise
on the image, but the damaging scratch arises. FIG. 13 (d) shows
the state where many fine scratches of the grade which is not
visible on the image along the direction of the surface movement of
the fixing roller 1 by the rubbing operation are formed, but the
difference of roughness remains between the edge scratch portion
and the other portions. In this state, the gloss non-uniformity
arises on the image, but the damaging scratch is not produced. FIG.
13 (e) shows the state where many fine scratches of the grade which
is not visible on the image along the direction of the surface
movement of the fixing roller 1 by the rubbing operation are
formed, and the difference of the roughness between the edge
scratch portion and other portions is erased. In this state,
neither the gloss non-uniformity nor the damaging scratch is
produced on the image.
[0204] The comparison examples 1 and 2 are the examples for
investigating whether or not the edge scratch disappears by the
cleaning web 200. in the oil application type and the oil-less
type, the gloss non-uniformity on the image by the edge scratches
does not disappear, and in addition, the damaging scratches are
formed. The foreign matter from the outside stagnates during the
rubbing operation.
[0205] From the result of the comparison example 3, the gloss
non-uniformity on the image by the edge scratches disappeared in
(with no rotation) only by the refreshing roller 3 contacted to the
fixing roller 1, but the foreign matter stagnates and, moreover,
the damaging scratch produces.
[0206] In the comparison example 4, in order to avoid the damaging
scratch, the refreshing roller 3 was contacted to the fixing roller
1 and is driven by the fixing roller 1, but, the edge scratches did
not disappear. The damaging scratches did not produce. The foreign
matter from the outside did not stagnate in the rubbing
operation.
[0207] In the comparison example 5, the time of the rubbing in the
comparison example 4 was extended. Namely, in comparison example,
the scratches were not able to be given to the fixing roller in the
driven rotation of the comparison example 4, and therefore, in the
comparison example 5 tried erasing edge scratches by extending the
rubbing time, but the gloss non-uniformity on the image by the edge
scratch did not disappear. However, the foreign matter did not
stagnate and the damaging scratches were not produced, either.
[0208] As stated above, in the comparison examples 1-5, the contact
of the cleaning web 200, the contact without the rotation of the
refreshing roller 3, and the contact with driven rotation of the
refreshing roller 3 were tried, but the result which can be
satisfied in terms of both suppression of gloss non-uniformity and
injurious effect production suppression is not obtained.
[0209] With comparison examples 6-9 and specific examples 1-5, the
case where the refreshing roller 3 is rotated is investigated.
[0210] In the comparison examples 6 and 7 and the specific examples
1 and 2, the refreshing roller 3 is rotated so that the surface
thereof moves counterdirectionally relative to the fixing roller 1
(counterdirectional drive) in the contact portion. The grit of
abrasive grain 33A of the refreshing roller 3 is changed from #800
(coarse) to #1000, #4000, #6000 (fine).
[0211] As a result, the gloss non-uniformity on the image by the
edge scratches was able to be erased in the comparison example 6
and the specific examples 1 and 2. However, in the comparison
example 7, since the grit of abrasive grain 33A was too fine, the
gloss non-uniformity on the image was not erased in some cases. In
the comparison example 6, since the grit of abrasive grain 33A was
too coarse, the damaging scratches produce in the fixing roller 1
in some cases. The damaging scratches did not produce in the
specific examples 1 and 2 and the comparison example 7. By rotating
the refreshing roller 3, the foreign matter did not stagnate. It is
considered that by rotating the refreshing roller 3, the foreign
matter entered from the outside into the nip of the refreshing
roller 3 and the fixing roller 1 is discharged.
[0212] In the specific examples 3 and 4 and the comparison example
8, the pressure to the fixing roller 1 of the refreshing roller 3
is changed. The pressure is 20N in the total pressure in the
comparison examples 1-7 and the specific examples 1 and 2, but in
the specific examples 3 and 4 and the comparison example 8, the
total pressure was changed to 10N, 100N, and 150N. As a result, in
the specific examples 3 and 4, from the viewpoint of the
suppression of the gloss non-uniformity and the injurious effect
prevention, the results were satisfactory. In the comparison
example 8, the suppression effect of the gloss non-uniformity is
recognized. However, since the pressure was too large, the damaging
scratches produce on the fixing roller 1.
[0213] In the specific example 5, the driving direction of the
rotation of the refreshing roller 3 is changed. so that the
movement direction of the surface thereof is codirectional with the
fixing roller 1 in the contact portion. Then, the refreshing roller
3 was rotated with the peripheral speed twice the peripheral speed
of the fixing roller 1. As a result, similarly to the case of above
described counter drive, both of the gloss non-uniformity
suppression effect and the injurious effect prevention effect were
satisfactory.
[0214] In the comparison example 9, the case which carried out the
counter drive of the refreshing roller 3 using the fixing roller of
the oil application type was investigated. As a result, the effect
which suppresses the gloss non-uniformity is recognized, however,
since the surface layer of the fixing roller is too soft, the
fixing roller can be scraped or shaved too much, and the damaging
scratches produce.
[0215] As stated above, depending on the conditions of roughening
the surface, the fine rubbing scratches are given to the fixing
roller 1, by which the gloss non-uniformity attributable to the
scratches by such edge portions, can be eliminated to such an
extent that they are made invisible, and the damaging scratches on
the image can be avoided.
(Surface of Fixing Roller)
[0216] The investigation has been made as to such desirable
scratches. The results are shown in Table 8.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Nature of Surface damage roughness Width
Density [No./100 .mu.m] Comp. Elongated 2~5 .mu.m <50 .mu.m
1< Ex. 1 Comp. Elongated 1~3 .mu.m <50 .mu.m 1< Ex. 2
Comp. Elongated 1~3 .mu.m <50 .mu.m 1< Ex. 3 Comp. Hole
0.5~1.0 .mu.m <1 .mu.m -- Ex. 4 Comp. Hole 0.5~1.0 .mu.m <1
.mu.m -- Ex. 5 Comp. Elongated 1.5~4 .mu.m <20 .mu.m 5< Ex. 6
Example 1 Elongated 1~2 .mu.m <10 .mu.m 10< Example 2
Elongated 0.5~1.5 .mu.m <2 .mu.m 50< Comp. Elongated 0.5~1.0
.mu.m <1 .mu.m 100< Ex. 7 Example 3 Elongated 0.5~1.0 .mu.m
<10 .mu.m 10< Example 4 Elongated 1~2 .mu.m <10 .mu.m
10< Comp. Elongated 1.5~4 .mu.m <20 .mu.m 5< Ex. 8 Example
5 Elongated 0.5~1.5 .mu.m <2 .mu.m 50< Comp. Elongated 2~5
.mu.m <5 .mu.m 50< Ex. 9
[0217] In the comparison examples 1-3, many scratches (longitudinal
scratches) produce in the direction of the surface movement of the
fixing roller 1, and the surface roughness Rz was 2 micrometers-5
micrometers in the fixing roller 1 of the oil application type, and
Rz was 1 micrometer-3 micrometers in the fixing roller 1 of the
oil-less type. The widths of the scratches of the oil application
type and the oil-less type of were about 50 micrometers or less.
The scratches were sparse and the number thereof was about one or
more per 100 micrometers in the direction of axis of the fixing
roller 1. The scratches are produced in the neighborhood of a
position in which the foreign matter stagnated. It is thought that
the foreign matter stagnated and the fixing roller 1 has been
damaged because the cleaning web 200 or the refreshing roller 3
stops. Since they produce in both the cleaning web 200 and the
refreshing roller 3, it is not dependent on the rubbing member and
it is thought that the damaging scratches produce because the
rubbing member stops.
[0218] The recesses in the form of a great number of holes are
produced on the fixing roller 1 in the comparison examples 4 and 5.
The surface roughness Rz is 0.5 micrometer-1.0 micrometers, and the
width of the scratches are approx 1 micrometer or less. In these
examples, the refreshing roller 3 is driven by the rotation of the
fixing roller 1, and therefore, the free end apex configuration of
abrasive grain 33A is impressed on the surface layer of the fixing
roller 1. For this reason, there is no effect of making the edge
scratches nonremarkable. Even if the time of the rubbing was
increased to the 50 seconds, such the effect is not provided, but
the number of the holes was increased a little. The scratches are
shallow, and therefore, there is a possibility that above described
effect can be provided by increasing the pressure or by extending
the time of the rubbing. However, it is not avoided that the time
of the rubbing required increases.
[0219] In the comparison examples 6 and 8, many scratches are
produced in the direction of the surface movement of the fixing
roller 1. The surface roughness Rz is 1.5 micrometers-4
micrometers, and the width of the scratches is about 20 micrometers
or less. The number of the scratches is about five or more per 100
micrometers in axial direction of the fixing roller 1. The effect
of making the edge scratches invisible is recognized, but the
scratches and wide and deep, and therefore, the damaging scratches
are produced, in some cases. In these examples, the scratches may
be given too much.
[0220] In the comparison example 7, many scratches are produced in
the direction of the surface movement of the fixing roller 1. The
surface roughness Rz is 0.5 micrometer-1 micrometer, and the width
of the scratches is about 1 micrometer or less. The number of the
scratches is about 100 or more per 100 micrometers in axial
direction of the fixing roller 1. There is no effect of making the
edge scratches nonremarkable, in some cases. However, the scratches
are thin and shallow, and therefore, the damaging scratches are not
produced. In this example, the grade of the scratches may be too
low.
[0221] Many scratches are produced in the direction of the surface
movement of the fixing roller 1 in the specific examples 1 and 4.
The surface roughness Rz is 1 micrometer-2 micrometers, and the
width of the scratches is about 10 micrometers or less. The number
of the scratches is about ten or more per 100 micrometers in axial
direction of the fixing roller 1. The effect of making the edge
scratches invisible is provided, and the damaging scratches are not
produced.
[0222] Many scratches are produced in the direction of the surface
movement of the fixing roller 1 in the specific examples 2 and 5.
The surface roughness Rz is 0.5 micrometer-1.5 micrometers, and the
width of the scratches is about 2 micrometers or less. The number
of the scratches is about 50 or more per 100 micrometers in axial
direction of the fixing roller 1. Also in these examples, the
effect of making invisible the edge-scrapings is provided, and the
damaging scratches are not produced.
[0223] In the specific example 3, many scratches are produced in
the direction of the surface movement of the fixing roller 1. The
surface roughness Rz is 0.5 micrometer-1.0 micrometers, and the
width of the scratches is about 10 micrometers or less. The number
of the scratches is about ten or more per 100 micrometers in axial
direction of the fixing roller 1. The effect of making the edge
scratches nonremarkable is recognized, and the damaging scratches
are not produced.
[0224] As stated above, the conditions for the desirable scratches
with which the edge scratches cannot be observed on the image and
with which the edge scratches are nonremarkable are as follows. The
surface roughness Rz is 0.5 micrometers or more and 2.0 micrometers
or less on the fixing roller by the scratches provided by the
rubbing operation, and the width of the scratches provided by
abrasive grain is 10 micrometers or less, and the density of such
scratches is ten or more per 100 micrometers in the rotation axial
direction of the fixing roller. This rubbing scratch is less
remarkable on the image with increase of a number thereof, but when
a cost and an a durability of the refreshing roller are taken into
account, the density is preferably considered as being 100 or less
per 100 micrometers in the rotation axial direction of the fixing
roller.
[0225] In this case, the surface roughness Rz on the image (toner
portion on recording material S) is about 0.5 or less, and it has
been confirmed that the surface roughness of this level is
nonremarkable as the glossiness difference. In addition, about the
density of the scratches, when several scratches are provided
sparsely, it is easy to observe as the gloss stripe, but when it is
provided by the high density (high frequency), the scratches are
nonremarkable as the glossiness difference.
(Durability Test)
[0226] The durability test for confirming the durability of the
surface layer of the fixing roller as to the specific examples 1
and 2 was carried out. In addition, in order to confirm the
durability of a silicone rubber surface layer of the fixing roller
of the oil application type, similar durability test was carried
out also about the comparison example 9.
[0227] The lifetime of the fixing roller is 300,000 sheets. The
rubbing operation is carried out for 5 seconds every 1000 sheet
processing. In this case, the number Nt of the rubbing operations
to the end of the lifetime of the fixing roller, is.
Nt = 300 , 000 sheets / 1000 sheets . = 300. ##EQU00001##
[0228] The total rubbing time T to the end of the lifetime of the
fixing roller, is
T = 5 seconds .times. 300 times . = 1500 seconds . = 25 minutes .
##EQU00002##
[0229] The thickness of the initial PFA tube which is the surface
layer of the fixing roller is 30 micrometers (specific examples 1
and 2). The thickness of the silicone rubber is 1 mm (comparison
example 9). The continuous rubbing test for the 30 minutes to the
substantial end of the lifetime of the fixing roller is carried
out. In addition, actual machine test in which the rubbing
operation is carried out for 5 seconds for every 1000-sheet sheet
processing is carried out. These are carried out 3 times,
respectively.
[0230] The results are shown in Table 9. Table 9 shows the
difference relative to the initial thickness. The thickness of the
PFA tube is measured using laser microscope VK8500 available from
Kabushiki Kaisha KEYENCE ( ). On the other hand, the thickness of
the silicone rubber cannot be measured by a laser microscope, and
therefore, a part of rubber of the fixing roller were removed and
this thickness is measured as the step between the rubber and the
core metal.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Fist Second Third Example 1 Continuous .+-.0
.mu.m +1 .mu.m -3 .mu.m rubbing test 30 min. Actual machine -3
.mu.m .+-.0 .mu.m +2 .mu.m test 300,000 sheets Example 2 Continuous
-1 .mu.m +1 .mu.m -2 .mu.m rubbing test 30 min. Actual machine -3
.mu.m .+-.0 .mu.m +1 .mu.m test 300,000 Comp. Ex. 9 Continuous -72
.mu.m -90 .mu.m -98 .mu.m rubbing test 30 min. Actual machine -93
.mu.m -85 .mu.m -72 .mu.m test 300,000
[0231] As will be understands from the result of the specific
examples 1 and 2, in the continuous rubbing test and actual machine
test, there is no tendency that the thickness of the PFA tube
reduces. The scraped amount of the PFA tube is at most a level
which cannot be measured, or at most a measurement error level. In
addition, there is no substantial difference in the scraped amount
between the specific example 1 and the specific example 2, and
scraped powder is not observed, either.
[0232] In the comparison example 9, the thickness of the surface
silicone rubber reduced about 70 micrometers-100 micrometers, and
the scraped powder of the silicone rubber is observed around the
refreshing roller 3.
[0233] This result shows that in the specific examples 1 and 2, the
refreshing roller 3 scrapes unobservable amount from the surface of
the PFA tube of the surface layer of the fixing roller, or it only
roughens the surface of the PFA tube. On the other hand, the
silicone rubber of the surface layer of the fixing roller in the
comparison example 9 is clearly scraped off by the refreshing
roller 3. This is the same as that of the conventional an abrasive
functions in, such as the patent specification 1. The difference in
the surface layer of the fixing roller between the specific
examples 1 and 2 and the comparison example 9 is represented by the
difference in the hardness of the surface layer thereof.
[0234] In addition, in actual machine test up to the 300,000
sheets, there was no deterioration, by the durability test, of the
eliminating power against the gloss non-uniformity by the edge
scratches. However, the result of additional actual machine test up
to the 500,000 sheets showed the deterioration of some of the
eliminating power of the gloss non-uniformity. This is considered
as being because the durability of the PFA tube have reduced.
However, it has a lifetime practically sufficient as the fixing
roller.
(Setting of Fixing Device)
[0235] The setting of the fixing device preferable for the gloss
non-uniformity suppression will be described on the basis of above
described test result.
[0236] First, the microhardness of the surface layer of the fixing
roller will be described.
[0237] Usually, the hardness of the surface of the fixing roller is
measured using a hardness meters, such as ASKER-C, for example. It
is unsuitable as the index of hardness against the scratches of the
surface layer of the fixing roller. The hardness measured by a
Vickers hardness tester is rather suitable, wherein a sufficiently
hard wedge is impressed into the sample, and the hardness is
defined from the depth thereof, the pressure thereof, and so on.
This is considered to be suitable as the index of the hardness
which resists the scratches.
[0238] For the measurement of the microhardness of the surface
layer of the fixing roller, triboScope available from HYSITRON as
shown in FIG. 5 is used, similarly to the measurement of the
microhardness of the surface layer of the refreshing roller. The
measuring probe for measuring the microhardness is the Berkovich
chip (142.3 degrees). The low weight and the low displacement are
used as compared with the common hardness meter, and therefore,
this hardness is often called "nano hardness". The load at the time
of the measurement is within the limits of 10 micro N-2000 micro N,
and is preferably 20 micro N-600 micro N. Here, the load of a
measurement using was 200 micro N. The pressure is increased to the
load specified for 5 seconds, and the pressure is removed for 5
seconds. FIG. 6 shows a load curve at the time of the load of 50
micro N, but the same applies to the case of 200 micro N, and the
peak point of the ordinate is 200 micro N in such a case. At this
time, the hardness H is determined as follows.
H=Pmax/A.
[0239] Here, Pmax is a maximum stress applied to a probe, and A is
a contact area (area of the impressions) of the probe. In the case
of the used probe, a contact area A is as follows:
A=24.5hc.sup.2.
[0240] where hc is an amount of entering into the inside of the
refreshing roller of the probe.
[0241] Two above described kinds of the microhardness of the
surface layer of the fixing roller were measured. At the time of
the load of 200 micro N, the hardness of the surface PFA tube was
H=1.0 Gpa, and the hardness of the surface silicone rubber was
H=0.02 Gpa.
[0242] Referring to FIG. 7, based on above described microhardness
measuring method, a rubbing model of the fixing roller thought by
the inventors will be described.
[0243] The diameter of the fixing roller is large enough as
compared with that of abrasive grain (rubbing material) of the
refreshing roller, and therefore, it is deemed that the surface
layer of the fixing roller is smooth. It is deemed that the
projection of abrasive grain of the refreshing roller is the
conical which has half apex angle .theta..degree., and the weight
applied to this one abrasive grain is p N. Abrasive grain is
impressed into the surface layer of the fixing roller which is soft
as compared with abrasive grain by a weight p into depth d mm, and
the impression radius at that time is r mm. microhardness of the
fixing roller H GPa is as follows:
P=H, a .pi.r2.
[0244] The volume removed through friction distance m (mm) by area
rd (mm2) of the projection of the front of abrasive grain currently
pushed in (amounts w of=wearing (mm3) are the following
connoisseurs.).
w=rdm.
[0245] Since tan .theta.=r/d,
w=r(r/tan .theta.)m
=r2(m/tan .theta.)
=(p/.pi.H)(m/tan .theta.)
[0246] The peripheral speed of the fixing roller is V mm/sec and
the peripheral speed of the refreshing roller is v mm/sec. The nip
width of the rotational direction formed between the fixing roller
and the refreshing roller is n mm. When a peripheral speed V of the
fixing roller is a positive value, the sign of the peripheral speed
v of the refreshing roller is as follows: When the directions of
the surface movement in the contact portion (rubbing portion)
between the fixing roller and the refreshing roller are the same as
that of the fixing roller, it is positive; and when the direction
is opposite, it is negative.
[0247] In the case of the structure according to this embodiment,
the friction distance m is the distance which the one abrasive
grain passes at the rate of peripheral speed difference |V-v| for
time n/V in which one point on the fixing roller passes the nip,
and therefore,
m=(n/V)|V-v|.
[0248] Then, amount w of wearing.
w=(p/.pi.H)(n/tan .theta.)(|V-v|/V),
[0249] Where w is amount of wearing per abrasive grain.
[0250] Total amount, in the inside of the nip between the
refreshing roller and the fixing roller, of wearing W mm3 is
considered. When a total weight is P N, and the number of abrasive
grains contacted by the contact portion (nip) between the
refreshing roller and the fixing roller is N,
W=wN.
P=pN.
[0251] From this, the total amount W of wearing of the contact
portions (nip) between the refreshing roller and the fixing roller
are as follows:
W = ( p / .pi. H ) ( n / tan .theta. ) ( V - v / V ) N . = ( P /
.PI. H ) ( n / tan .theta. ) ( V - v / V ) . ##EQU00003##
[0252] The amount of wearing of the outer periphery of the fixing
roller per a unit length is .omega.. W is amount of wearing in the
inside of the contact portion (nip) between the refreshing roller
and the fixing roller, and therefore, .omega. is obtained by
dividing it by the contact (nip) width n. Namely,
.omega.=W/n.
=(P/.pi.H tan .theta.)(|V-v|/V)[mm3/mm].
[0253] The outer diameter of the fixing roller is R, so the outer
periphery thereof is .pi.R. Then, the total amount Wtotal of
wearing of one full circumference on the fixing roller is.
Wtotal = .omega. .pi. R . = ( PR / H tan .theta. ) ( V - v / V ) .
##EQU00004##
[0254] Amount .omega. of wearing per unit length is proportional to
the total weight (pressure) P between the refreshing roller and the
fixing roller and a peripheral speed ratio |V-v|/V, and is in
inverse proportion to the microhardness H of the fixing roller, and
the angle .theta. at the free end of abrasive grain (half apex
angle).
[0255] When the fine rubbing scratches are given on the fixing
roller to reduce the edge scratches, the length of the scratches is
a parameter of the peripheral speed ratio |V-v|/V. The density,
with respect to the longitudinal direction, of the scratches is a
function of the number of abrasive grains and the grit (particle
size) of abrasive grain. The depth of the scratches is a function
of Total weight P, the microhardness H of the fixing roller, and
the number of abrasive grains.
[0256] Table 10 shows the feature and the parameter of the
scratches (recess) formed on the fixing roller.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Characteristics of damage Parameter Length
Nip width, Peripheral speed difference Density in No. of particles,
grit (particle size) longitudinal direction Depth Refresh roller
load, microhardness of fixing roller, No. of particles
[0257] Amount .omega. of wearing per unit length is not a parameter
of the number of abrasive grains and the grit (particle size) of
abrasive grain, but, this is rather a parameter about nature of the
rubbing scratches on the fixing roller.
[0258] When the fine rubbing scratches are given on the fixing
roller, abrasive grain on the refreshing roller is preferably
bonded uniformly without gap. For this reason, the number of
abrasive grains and the particle size (grit) of abrasive grain are
decided uniquely. For example, when the length of the refreshing
roller is L and abrasive grain of an impression diameter r is
bonded without gap on the refreshing roller, the number of abrasive
grains in the longitudinal direction is L/2r. In the case of this
example, in order to provide the scratches of the surface layer of
the fixing roller which is not observed on the image, the
preferable grit of abrasive grain was #1000-#4000. Namely, in
average particle size, they are preferably about 3 micrometers-16
micrometers.
[0259] Angle at the free end of abrasive grain has variation within
a certain amount of distribution. In an ordinary alumina abrasive
grain used in this example, the half apex angle is approx. 30
degrees (60 degrees in full apex angles) on average.
[0260] Amount .omega. of wearing, per unit length, on the outer
periphery of the fixing roller by this a model is calculated for
every above described a test conditions.
[0261] Table 11 shows the results of this calculation.
[0262] Here, in the calculation, .theta.=30 degrees and tan
30.degree.=0.7.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Wearing per Peripheral unit length Pressure
speed Microhardness .omega.[10-3 [N] ration |V - v1|/V H[GPa]
mm.sup.3/mm] Comp. 20 1 1 9 Ex. 3 Comp. 20 0 1 0 Ex. 4 Comp. 20 0 1
0 Ex. 5 Comp. 20 1.5 1 14 Ex. 6 Example 1 20 1.5 1 14 Example 2 20
1.5 1 14 Comp. 20 1.5 1 14 Ex. 7 Example 3 10 1.5 1 7 Example 4 100
1.5 1 68 Comp. 150 1.5 1 102 Ex. 8 Example 5 20 1 1 9 Comp. 20 1.5
0.02 682 Ex. 5
[0263] The cleaning web is used as the rubbing rotatable member in
the comparison examples 1 and 2, and therefore, this model does not
apply, and for this reason, the calculation has not been carried
out.
[0264] From above described result the durability reduction of the
fixing roller can be suppressed, while suppressing the gloss
non-uniformity produced on the image, in the following range of
amount of wearing,
7.times.10.sup.-3
mm.sup.3/mm.ltoreq..omega..ltoreq.68.times.10.sup.-3
mm.sup.3/mm.
[0265] Namely, the weight of the refreshing roller to the fixing
roller is P N, the peripheral speed of the fixing roller is V
mm/sec, the peripheral speed of the refreshing roller is v mm/sec,
the microhardness of the fixing roller is H GPa, and the half apex
angle of abrasive grain is 0.degree.. At this time, it is
preferable to satisfy 7.times.10.sup.-3
mm.sup.3/mm.ltoreq..omega..ltoreq.68.times.10.sup.-3
mm.sup.3/mm.
[0266] On the basis of this, by the rubbing operation of the
refreshing roller on the surface of the fixing roller the recesses
are formed at the rate of ten or more per 100 micrometers in the
rotation axial direction, wherein the surface roughness Rz is 0.5
micrometers or more and 2.0 micrometers or less, and the recesses
by abrasive grain have the width of not more than 10
micrometer.
[0267] It is desirable for the refreshing roller 3 to rotate. It is
preferable that the grit of abrasive grain is #1000-#4000, namely,
the particle size of abrasive grain is more than the particle size
of the grit #4000, and is below the particle size of the grit
#1000.
[0268] As has been described hereinbefore, the grit (particle size)
of abrasive grain is the parameter relevant to the nature of the
rubbing scratches given on the fixing roller. According to the
investigation of the inventors, the rubbing scratches desired on
the fixing roller may differ, depending on the conditions, such as
the state of the edge scratches, i.e., the state of the flash of
the recording sheet, and the kind (the high quality paper or the
coated paper, for example) of recording material on which the image
is required to form with suppressed gloss non-uniformity. In order
to provide the stabilized gloss suppression effect and the
stabilized suppression effect of the damaging scratches, it is
preferable that the grit of abrasive grain of the refreshing roller
is #1000-#4000, as described above. However, depending on the case,
when the grit of abrasive grain of the refreshing roller is
#800-#6000 (i.e., when average particle sizes are about 2
micrometers-20 micrometers), the satisfactory result may be
obtained.
[0269] Under the condition of above described example of the test,
above described range is satisfied with .omega.=9 in the comparison
example 3, but the refreshing roller 3 does not rotate, and
therefore, the scratches by the foreign matter stagnation may
produce.
[0270] Under the condition of above described example of the test,
above described range is satisfied with .omega.=14 in the
comparison examples 6 and 7, but the grit of abrasive grain may be
too (too coarse) small, or may be too large (too fine), and
therefore, the desired scratches may be unable to be given to the
fixing roller.
[0271] From the result of the durability test, it understands that
no removed powder is observed, and the thickness of the PFA tube of
the surface layer of the fixing roller is not reduced by the
durability test. For this reason, in this embodiment, amount of
wearing is not the scraped amount, and amount of wearing is
roughened degree or amount. In above described model, the surface
of the PFA tube of the surface layer of the fixing roller is only
cut by acute angle abrasive grain cross-section, and the tube of
abrasive grain in the cross-section is scraped off.
[0272] In this manner, in the present invention, since the degree
or amount of roughening of the fixing roller surface is defined as
the function of pressure P, the peripheral speed ratio |V-v|/V, the
fixing roller microhardness H, and the half apex angle .theta. of
abrasive grain, it is easy to increase the coarseness or finely
roughen the fixing roller surface to the desired state.
[0273] By the investigation of the inventors, it is preferable that
average particle size of the refreshing roller is 5 micrometers or
more and 20 micrometers or less correspondingly to the No. of above
described abrasive grain.
[0274] As stated above, in this embodiment, the fine rubbing
scratches are given to the fixing roller, by which gloss
non-uniformity on the image attributable to the scratches on the
fixing roller by edge
[0275] The present invention is not limited to above described
embodiment. For example, the usage of the image heating device is
not limited to the fixing device for fixing the toner image of the
unfixed on the recording material. For example, the present
invention can be used for the smoothness increasing apparatus or a
glossiness increasing apparatus for increasing the smoothness and a
glossiness of the image by carrying out the re-heating after fixing
the toner image on the recording material. In this case, the
effects similar to above are provided.
[0276] The examples for fixing the image by the member of the shape
of the roller like the fixing roller or the pressing roller have
been described, in the foregoing, but when the fixing process is
effected by the member (fixing belt and pressing belt) of the shape
of a belt, the present invention can be applied similarly.
[0277] While the invention has been described with reference to the
structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set
forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications
or changes as may come within the purpose of the improvements or
the scope of the following claims.
[0278] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 217595/2006 filed August 9, 2006 which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
* * * * *